Carrie (28), Mum of three- Angel baby

What is the most rewarding part about being a mother?
When they sleep! Only joking, all of it and I am happier when I am with them. The playing and the cuddles are the best thing ever.

What is the biggest struggle with being a single parent?
Lack of sleep, not being able to share the load of nappy changes and when they are unwell. Doing most things alone is pretty difficult but I love being a mum.

How does the support you receive from Elim, Impact your life?
They fill out the forms, they make phone calls for me, they speak on my behalf when I need them. They support me in doing the things I struggle to do myself and give me a rest.

Is having a community of other parents around you important?
Depending on the crowd obviously. I have met two amazing mum’s at Priory Court and they have encouraged me to go out of my comfort zone, like going to mum’s clubs which I am very happy for.

If you had one wish for the future, what would it be?
To have a happy home for kids, I don’t care about anything else. I’d be happy not leaving home if it made my kids happy. I can’t wait to move on and create the perfect home for them.

Courtney (21), Mum of one

What is the most rewarding part about being a mother?
There are a lot of things. He is my little person who fulfils me and makes me feel whole. You know when you get a backpack and you get a keyring that makes the backpack, I’m the backpack and he’s the cute and lovely keyring that made me buy the backpack.

What is the biggest struggle with being a single parent?
Multi-tasking. Cooking tea when he is screaming or wanting me. You are doing the job of two people. It is the little things you take for granted like going to the toilet in peace. I am so proud of everything that I have achieved and know that I have done so well in tacking these struggles and creating solutions.

How does the support you receive from Elim, Impact your life?
Being here puts a roof over my head. The staff here boosts his confidence. I get support around appointments; this alleviates the multitasking that I always must do. I enjoy having a coffee and a chat with the staff as that’s where I get the most support from.

Is having a community of other parents around you important?
I couldn’t ask for better neighbours. We all have different problems and are all a little bit crazy, but it is nice to see other mums and talk with them about the different things we have experienced them. I have met two of nicest people whilst living at Priory Court and it has made my journey so much easier.

If you had one wish for the future, what would it be?
To create a happy future in my own place so my son can be able to achieve anything he would like. After living in supported and shared accommodation, I am excited to create a beautiful space for the both of us to grow old and up in.

Priory Court is part of Elim’s Bristol Parents Service, which delivers 15 units of accommodation across the city for homeless parents ages 16+ and their babies. The Bristol Parents Alliance is integral in supporting Young Parents in their journey towards more independent living in the future, working with Elim Support Workers to create a tailored support plan to work towards, together. To speak to a trained member of the Places for People BPA team, you can call the BPA helpline number on 0117 9559792.